Muriel “Frankie” Ribelin passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3rd. This is exactly how she wanted it. As she often liked to say, “It’s all good.”. Frankie was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on August 3rd, 1934, to Frances Bernard Manning and Mary Muriel Manning. Frankie was a free-spirited, outgoing person who enjoyed starring in theater and dance productions during her high school days. She was selected to represent Philadelphia on New York City’s “The Girl of Today” television show, which led to several other television appearances.
She worked in the medical field as a EEG technician and later for National Airlines. Frankie was a sophisticated host and loved to entertain. She was a world class cook, enthusiastic swimmer, golfer, fly fisherman, water-skier, scuba diver and passionate animal advocate. During her life she owned and cared for over ten different dogs, and especially cherished her three standard poodles.
Frankie was deeply spiritual and a devoted Christian. She had many, many friends that were all very important to her. If you met her, you would always remember her. As one of her closest friends once said, “she was one in a million.”
Frankie volunteered in many areas of The First Presbyterian Church in Gulf Shores, where she and her husband, Bill, were longtime members. She served tirelessly as a Bereavement Ministry Team Chair, Prayer Group Leader, Worship Ministry Team Volunteer, Acolyte Leader and Instructor, Fellowship Ministry Team Volunteer. She was also worked in the community as a Christian Service Center and Red Cross volunteer. Frankie leaves behind a devoted family: Dr. William Ribelin, husband of 43 years; son Wayne (Tammy) Rayfield, grandchildren Brittanie (Kyle) Rayfield-Sweaney, Stephanie (Noah) Peck, Michael Hartman; great grandchildren, Caleb & Jade Peck; son Walter Rayfield; grandchildren Mitchel Rayfield, Kassondra Rayfield; stepson, Robert (Claudia) Ribelin. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 17th at 11:00 am at The First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, 309 E. 21st Ave., with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores or Kindred Hospice 9805 Millwood Circle Suite D Daphne, AL 36526.